How to synchronize my BlackBerry with my Desktop Computer (Mac OS X)
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Note: If you have a Microsoft Windows (XP / Vista / whatever) machine you should take a look to How to synchronize my BlackBerry with my Desktop Computer (Microsoft Windows).
Synchronizing your BlackBerry with your desktop computer is a must! It just works incredibly fine and is easy going to set up. This article is meant to help you to get this working. If you have already set it up and you think it is fine you can just skip this article. But if you are not sure your setting is correct – but it is working actually – you should keep reading and check whether you have set it up right.
We wil cover the following parts of your BlackBerry and desktop application for synchronization:
- Address Book
- Calendar
- MemoPad
- Tasks
Please keep in mind that we are not covering the synchronization of E-Mails in this article. We will do so later I guess. The setup that is used for this presention is as followed:
- BlackBerry Pearl (BlackBerry OS 4.2 from HKCSL)
- PocketMac
- Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger powered MacBook
- iCal, Address Book, StickiesNotes
You can use this procedure for your setup as well. E.g. you are using another BlackBerry model (71xx, 72xx, 75xx, 77xx, 87xx, 88xx or Curve) the setup is the nearly the same. To get your Mac’s data synchronized with your BlackBerry and vice versa proceed as followed:
- Be sure you have PocketMac installed on your Mac already. If not you can get it for free here.
- Connect your BlackBerry to your Mac (PocketMac currently only supports USB and serial port).
- Start PocketMac by clicking the icon.
- Click on BlackBerry.
You should see your device name an PIN on that page. If not, make sure you connected your BlackBerry to your Mac already and restart PocketMac. Unlike the “BlackBerry Desktop Manager” for Windows PocketMac does not recognize devices that are attached during its runtime.
- Click on the Contacts button to open the contacts tab.
Activate the “Sync Contacts [...]“ checkbox to enable contact data synchronization in general. Below you find a list of supported contact management programs. As I am using Apple’s Address Book, I checked that one. You should check the appropriate checkbox according to the program you are using. You can also tweak the setting for the specific program you want to synchronize with at “Advanced Preferences…”. That’s it, we are done for contacts.
- Click on the Calendar button to open the calendar tab.
In here we also check the “Sync Calendar [...]“ checkbox to enable calendar item synchronization. As my configuration uses iCal for calendar items I selected “iCalCalendar”. That’s it, we are done for calendar items.
- Click on the Tasks button to open the tasks tab.
In here we also check the “Sync Tasks [...]“ checkbox to enable task synchronization. As my configuration uses iCal for task items as well I selected “iCalCalendar”. That’s it, we are done for tasks. (Hint: The program on the right – NextAction! – is compatible with PocketMac and therefor with all applications PocketMac can synchronize your BlackBerry with. It is world’s best GTD application for BlackBerry® Wireless Handhelds!)
- Click on the Notes button to open the notes tab.
In here we also check the “Sync Notes [...]“ checkbox to enable notes synchronization. As my configuration uses StickiesNotes for notes on my Mac I selected “StickiesNotes”. That’s it, we are done for notes.
- Click on the Bookmarks button to open the bookmarks tab.
As I am not using Safari for desktop browsing I don’t synchronize that. But those of you who like to use Safari can synchronize your Safari’s bookmarks to your BlackBerry. To do that, just activate the “Push Bookmarks [...]“ checkbox. That’s it, we are done for bookmarks.
- Now you can press the “Sync” button in the top right corner of PocketMac to synchronize your BlackBerry with your Mac and its programs.
Follow the instructions. If there are any conflicts between your device’s and desktop’s databases you will be notified. You should check all notification carefully as they might contain important information.
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PocketMac for BlackBerry supports the following devices: BlackBerry 6210, BlackBerry 6230, BlackBerry 6280, BlackBerry 6510, BlackBerry 7100 Series, BlackBerry 7105t, BlackBerry 7130c, BlackBerry 7130e, BlackBerry 7130g, BlackBerry 7130v, BlackBerry 7210, BlackBerry 7230, BlackBerry 7250, BlackBerry 7270, BlackBerry 7280, BlackBerry 7290, BlackBerry 7510, BlackBerry 7520, BlackBerry 7730, BlackBerry 7750, BlackBerry 7780, BlackBerry 8100 Pearl, BlackBerry 8300 Curve, BlackBerry 8703e, BlackBerry 8700c, BlackBerry 8700f, BlackBerry 8700g, BlackBerry 8700v, BlackBerry 8700r, BlackBerry 8705g, BlackBerry 8707g, BlackBerry 8707h, BlackBerry 8700v, BlackBerry 8707, BlackBerry 8800, BlackBerry 8830
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Tags: address book, apple mail, blackberry, desktop, entourage, ical, manager, outlook, synchronize
University Update - Microsoft Windows - How to synchronize my BlackBerry with my Desktop Computer (Mac OS X) said,
July 18, 2007 @ 2:56 pm
BlackBerryInsight » How to synchronize my BlackBerry with my Desktop Computer (Microsoft Windows) said,
July 18, 2007 @ 5:08 pm
Step by step guide for synchronizing BlackBerry and Mac using PocketMac - BlackBerryForums.com : Your Number One BlackBerry Community said,
July 19, 2007 @ 1:08 pm
Mandy said,
July 25, 2007 @ 3:49 pm
In order to sync with ZYB using a blackberry you need to download a third party client such as: http://www.nexthaus.com/blackberry.html
I find it much more convenient than desktop clients
Andrew said,
August 3, 2007 @ 3:08 pm
I’m running Windows Vista Ultimate from my Mac using Parallel. I’ve downloaded BlackBerry Desktop Manager to Vista. I can’t sync my Black Berry to my Microsoft Outlook which I’m running using Parallel.
Any suggestions? Thanks
S4BB Limited » Press Release: NextAction! 2.0 Falcon has been released said,
August 20, 2007 @ 8:15 am
GTD with your BlackBerry and NextAction! said,
August 21, 2007 @ 1:06 am
Kolz Blog » Blog Archive » GTD with your BlackBerry and NextAction! said,
August 26, 2007 @ 5:09 am
Sara said,
September 11, 2007 @ 9:28 pm
Pocket Mac Issues - Address Syncing - BlackBerryForums.com : Your Number One BlackBerry Community said,
September 17, 2007 @ 2:54 pm
BlackBerryInsight - Deutsch » How To: BlackBerry mit meinem Desktop Computer (Microsoft Windows) synchronisieren. said,
November 23, 2007 @ 4:18 pm
Joe said,
December 1, 2007 @ 1:59 am
I’m using Mac OS 10.3.9.
Cheers,
Joe
suesmac said,
January 6, 2008 @ 12:07 pm
naresh sethi said,
January 19, 2008 @ 4:53 pm
I am using bberry 8820, but that is not compatible with windows vista, because there is no software which i can download and start working in windows vista.
thnx
Kevin said,
January 23, 2008 @ 3:56 am
I downloaded Pocketmaster, and when i connect my 8800 to my Macbook Pro (Mac OSX 10.4.11), the pocketmaster does not recognize my blackberry.
Tony said,
January 29, 2008 @ 5:26 pm
I cannot set-up my Blackberry 8830 with my Windows Calendar or Contacts, using the Vista OS…I am also using the latest Blackberry 4.3 Desktop Manager…and it does not recognize Windows Calendar, Contacts or Mail…
I’m not as interested in Mail, but the contacts and calendar are crucial…Boy, I wish it was Mozilla-friendly…
Any suggestions? HELP!
Nhia said,
February 7, 2008 @ 8:44 am
k said,
February 7, 2008 @ 11:56 am
Will said,
March 9, 2008 @ 10:07 am
Anything I can do?
Will said,
March 9, 2008 @ 11:55 am
If you want to sync Entourage with Next Action…you just need to put a “p:” before the title of your project and it will go to the projects section of Next Action, rather than a context.
Tyrone said,
March 16, 2008 @ 4:25 pm
please explain exactly in detail how one can get pictures off the blackberry pearl using pocketmac. I dont see anything for accessing files like pics for getting off the phone or even putting stuff like video or music on the phone?
Do u need a memory card?
If u dont have one, can u not just somehow get the picks off the phone?
I have also tried the bluetooth option and my bb sees my mac but the mac doesnt see it, any ideas there?
Much appreciate a solutions
Thanks!
Mike said,
March 24, 2008 @ 11:28 pm
Thank you
Mike said,
March 24, 2008 @ 11:29 pm
Thank you
BlackBerryInsight - Deutsch » BlackBerry als Modem auf Mac OS X said,
April 7, 2008 @ 9:59 am
Esther said,
April 12, 2008 @ 4:24 am
Julie said,
April 24, 2008 @ 4:09 am
Brett Schulte said,
May 1, 2008 @ 4:29 am
k said,
May 1, 2008 @ 1:19 pm
Ed F said,
May 7, 2008 @ 4:35 am
CW said,
May 11, 2008 @ 5:52 am
Having problems in connecting and new Blackberry to a mac, error message shows, can you advise?
Geraldo said,
May 17, 2008 @ 8:46 pm
Obrigado
09:41:46.271] Unable to connect to BlackBerry
(error 1); skipping.
mac osx 10 5 put music files on blackberry 8100 said,
May 22, 2008 @ 10:23 pm
ALEJANDRO G said,
June 3, 2008 @ 12:20 am
works perfectly but what i try to due is conect to my laptop a video phone from ACN wish works with internet connecting to a ether net port
for some reason my phone wont work if i use my blackberry
the phone will work if i use my wirless card just normal
dos any one now what i need to due to bridge or how to conect this so i can use my video phone thru my laptob thethering with my black berry
thanks
alejandro
blackberry 8700c os x said,
June 4, 2008 @ 9:41 am
Trevi said,
June 14, 2008 @ 4:08 am
I’ve download Pocket Mac for my Blackberry curve but I can’t get my Powerbook to see the blackberry device to syncrnize. It s plugged into one of the USB ports with the cable provided but it just appera as n Icon or in the pocket mac program. any thoughts?
Thanks Trevi
Trevi said,
June 14, 2008 @ 4:08 am
I’ve download Pocket Mac for my Blackberry curve but I can’t get my Powerbook to see the blackberry device to synchronize. It s plugged into one of the USB ports with the cable provided but it just appear as n Icon or in the pocket mac program. any thoughts?
Thanks Trevi
kit said,
June 18, 2008 @ 1:59 pm
I hate everyone.
Kurt said,
June 22, 2008 @ 12:02 pm
Bike Mike said,
June 24, 2008 @ 1:55 am
Help?
Shelagh said,
July 3, 2008 @ 11:46 pm
Make sure BlackBerry password is entered in the Connection tab of SyncManager if your BlackBerry is password protected.
Make sure that the BlackBerry does not have Mass Storage Mode (under Advanced options, Media card on my 8100) turned on.
Amber said,
July 4, 2008 @ 3:31 am
Jason said,
July 24, 2008 @ 2:24 pm
Elisa said,
August 8, 2008 @ 11:31 pm
Albert Rios said,
August 20, 2008 @ 7:52 am
Myrna Golden said,
August 26, 2008 @ 9:50 pm
I tried using Pocket Mac but I get the error message “skipping”. Any suggestions?
My Get Things Done List » Blog Archive » GTD with your BlackBerry and NextAction! [Ian's Messy Desk] said,
September 26, 2008 @ 12:06 pm
Software / Support Review: Missing Sync for BlackBerry | BlackBerryInsight said,
October 10, 2008 @ 1:21 pm
links for 2008-10-12 | girliegeek said,
October 12, 2008 @ 3:02 pm
Dino said,
October 30, 2008 @ 10:25 am
Suzanne said,
November 18, 2008 @ 9:47 am
Bob said,
November 23, 2008 @ 11:08 am
When tried to sync got: [07:38:14.037] unabled to connect to blackberry (error1); skipping.
Then got message[07:49:00.139] Synchronization cancelled. Some data may not have been synchronized.
Read some search results about not synching and wanted to make sure I did download 4.1.25– when I bring it up I see v1.2 (1.4). Did I download a wrong/old version? If so I need to uninstall and ….
Please help.
Thanks
Jeff said,
December 1, 2008 @ 6:07 am
maria said,
December 3, 2008 @ 11:02 am
Amanda said,
December 4, 2008 @ 1:02 pm
valo from mexico said,
December 11, 2008 @ 3:26 pm
I don’t believe that Blackberry Developers, has not a solution for too much people in problems with it…
I choose a great Iphone like my new smartphone, because of sync problems with my Pearl 8120…
Iphone is directly easy to sync any data on my MacbookPro.
Blackberry, do something because in crisis time, you need a solution for your consumers…
PD: the only software that I tried and worked on my blackberry, was Missing Sync, with this software I don’t have problems about sync, BUT YOU MUST TO PAY FOR THAT SOFT…
paul from ireland said,
December 15, 2008 @ 6:24 am
Rock said,
December 26, 2008 @ 9:06 pm
Shorty said,
January 5, 2009 @ 6:31 am
Heidster said,
January 27, 2009 @ 1:21 pm
Trevor said,
January 30, 2009 @ 3:42 pm
andreina said,
February 18, 2009 @ 8:52 am
Chris said,
February 19, 2009 @ 2:07 am
Sue English said,
February 28, 2009 @ 4:11 am
max said,
February 28, 2009 @ 12:30 pm
Summitseeker said,
March 14, 2009 @ 3:26 am
How do you get your f*cking photos off your BB onto your Mac?
Please and thank you.
Amy said,
March 25, 2009 @ 3:50 pm
Alex said,
April 24, 2009 @ 3:28 am
Dave said,
May 20, 2009 @ 1:10 am
Jeff Page said,
June 14, 2009 @ 2:11 pm
Jmiller said,
June 18, 2009 @ 10:53 am
Victor Caldwell said,
June 27, 2009 @ 12:08 am
How does someone using PocketMac sync Mac 10.4.11 Entourage Calendar with Blackberry Storm?
Houston Verizon IT and Apple Genius unable. We installed the patches and upgrades as of June 25 to Blackberry and PocketMac . Contacts sync, but Entourage Calendar stalls at the very end. We even tried to sync just 2 days of Calendar… still stalls.
Anyone smarter than Verizon IT, Apple Genius and Pocket Mac gurus?
Please help. Thanks.
Paul said,
June 27, 2009 @ 9:55 pm
Jim said,
July 1, 2009 @ 9:46 pm
[09:41:50.212] An unexpected error has occurred: Can’t connect to the sync server: NSInvalidReceivePortException: connection went invalid while waiting for a reply ((null))
An unexpected error has occurred: Can’t connect to the sync server: NSInvalidReceivePortException: connection went invalid while waiting for a reply ((null))
can anyone help? Thanks
Beth said,
July 6, 2009 @ 10:01 am
Windows 7's Inspirat theme for blackberry? - BlackBerry Forums said,
July 12, 2009 @ 6:07 am
TRNJ said,
August 1, 2009 @ 9:02 am
John said,
August 7, 2009 @ 9:36 pm
It would be great if someone here had answers. All I see are questions!
Thanks,
reggie said,
August 27, 2009 @ 12:24 pm
Eva said,
September 8, 2009 @ 9:00 pm
Twitted by dsarch said,
September 16, 2009 @ 4:42 am
FabioSixty said,
September 17, 2009 @ 6:38 am
Rahul said,
October 1, 2009 @ 7:02 am
am using a bold 9000 phone and the latest mac pro. so am trying to connect my blackbeery but what is happening is it is not showning me the name of my device and when am trying to sync it is says balckberry not connected. What should i do..Please help
Raimi said,
October 17, 2009 @ 3:01 am
melissa said,
December 3, 2009 @ 7:37 pm
i’ve downloaded the blackberry desktop manager onto my mac and when i clicked on the two-way sync to test transfer a few contacts onto my phone, the process deleted all 3000 of my contacts originally on my blackberry!
do you know if there is any way i can restore my contacts? any help will be greatly appreciated.
Contacts - Mac-Forums.com said,
January 2, 2010 @ 12:04 am
db said,
January 4, 2010 @ 11:41 pm
I used to have a Palm Treo 755p, and syncing was ALMOST a no-brainer. It copied all the fields from the handheld device, exactly as is. I do believe, however, that even Palm Desktop could have used some minor improvements. I switched to Blackberry because Palm Pre was still too new, and I didn’t like the keyboard on it. If Palm had used the same keyboard it had on the Treo, that would have been one more in their favor.
With Blackberry, I’m finding pretty well what I would call syncing chaos. There is no standard app that grabs all the fields, allows you to define fields from the computer desktop and sync them with the handheld device. You can only sync both ways, or computer to handheld only. You can’t replace the contents of the computer with the handheld. I do have a PC desktop, but I just can’t believe RIM just released a desktop software for Mac, which are my notebook computers. Incomprehensible!!!
Very disappointed in the professionalism. It’s like a free-for-all hurry-up-and-get-it-out-there whirlwind. Having a quality backup of my data is very important to me. Having to needlessly waste quality time keeping things consistent is absurd.
RIM – Take some lessons from Palm’s desktop software for Treo.
Palm – Take some lessons from yourselves back in the day.
To Both – Don’t skimp on processing power, and the ability to use SD cards! If you’re going to slap it with a high price tag, better make it impeccable quality!
David Burrill said,
January 14, 2010 @ 11:20 pm
Marsha Sayer said,
January 18, 2010 @ 3:43 am
Could not synch bold with my computer and was told it is not in fact compatible.
My mac is not very old and has the following make up
Processor 1.83 GHz Intel Core Duo
Memory 512 MB 667 MHz Ram
Startup Disc Mackintosh HD
I am not willing to buy a new computer, mine works perfectly., Can you recommend any way i can make the system work so i can use the bold 9700 and back it up and use my computer. Do I need to upgrade my computer, and if so to what capacity. Would appreciate any help you can offer.
Mia30oa said,
January 19, 2010 @ 11:39 am
Bart Rademakers said,
February 3, 2010 @ 9:09 pm
There is a good working Mac-version of the BlackBerry Desktop Manager available.
Check it out at BlackBerry.Com, software.
Bart